With the fast selling Innova MPV and Hi Lux pick-up already creating waves in the Philippines, anyone would think that Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMPC) would give everyone else a chance to catch up.  Instead, the Triple Crown holder (best-selling in passenger car, commercial vehicle and overall sales) introduced what could literally be the final nail in everyone else’s marketing plan: the Toyota Fortuner.  The Fortuner completes the three-part vehicle plan of the globally renowned IMV (International Intelligent Multi-Purpose Vehicle) project.

Named after the word ‘fortune’, the Fortuner represents man’s burning ambition to reach the top—in whatever aspect.  As a vehicle, Toyota has created the Fortuner to be the goal that everyone can aspire to, a vehicle that everyone can dream to have one day.  As such, the Fortuner doesn’t disappoint.  From its looks to accommodations to specifications to pricing, the Fortuner is a definite winner by anyone’s measure.

From the outside, the Fortuner stands out with its wide stance and tall body.  According to its engineers, it was created as such in order to incorporate the demands of Asian roads: comfortable ride without sacrificing rough terrain ability.  The overall lines are sleek, especially given its Hilux origins.  It incorporates familiar SUV design elements shared by Toyota SUVs worldwide including the sharply aggressive front fascia, the upright body and the z-shaped c-pillar.  At a glance, it even resembles the company’s US market 4Runner!  The quad-beam headlamps, round fog lamps and rear spoiler with high-mount stop lamp improve visibility, while creating a striking look.  Whereas the roof rails and body-flushed sidestep board cement its SUV look.  The spare tire is mounted underneath the body, leaving the Fortuner’s rear end clean and sporty.

Fortunately, the Fortuner has some grunt to go with those sporty and striking looks.  In service for the Philippine market, there are two engine choices: a 2.7-liter VVTi gasoline (160 bhp / 241 Nm) and a 3.0-liter D-4D common rail injection diesel (163 bhp / 343 Nm) shared with the range-topping Hi Lux pick-up.  While both are mated to a 4-speed automatic with gate-type shifter, the type of engine determines the amount of driven wheels.  The gasoline gets a rear-wheel drive system, called 2.7G while the diesel is paired with a four-wheel drive system (3.0V). 

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